Hand-crafted brews, fine wine and live music were just a part of this year’s event. The pancake breakfast Saturday during the farmers market, sponsored by the Farmington Area Jaycees, was a huge success and there was a huge turnout for the children’s bounce house.

The extra children’s activities Saturday at the farmers market were a great addition, allowing children to experience some of the Harvest Moon Festival, which is primarily those for 21 and older.

Melissa Andrade has been involved with the Harvest Moon Festival for years and said that this event takes more than 100 volunteers to man.

DDA president Rachel Gallagher stands next to a dedicated memorial she created for dear friend, Laura Dell-Bell, who passed away last year. The Harvest Moon Celebration was Laura’s favorite event.(Photo11: Tom Beaudoin)

“They are passionate, dedicated volunteers who just love this fall event," Andrade said. "It’s their ideas and passion that make this Farmington’s favorite.”

Volunteer Pat Feeley agreed with Andrade.

“I just love being a part of Harvest Moon and Saturday’s market with Petey’s Donuts is one of my favorites," Feely said.

Feeley was volunteering at the T-shirt booth with Joe LaRussa, who called Harvest Moon "one of the marquee events where the community gets together to showcase Farmington."

Even the "wine experts" like Tracy Freeman and Liz Plante agreed this event is one of their favorites and a great event to volunteer at.

“I’ve been volunteering at Harvest Moon, the Founders Festival and Art on the Grand for many years,” Freeman said. “I love that I get to volunteer with my friends and family.”

Plante returned again this year, after volunteering for the festival last year. “It’s great to run into people who you don’t get to see all the time," she said. "This festival is always doing something different and interesting to make the people want to keep coming back.”

Festival-goers were enthusiastic all weekend, visiting with friends and neighbors and enjoying the music, drinks and food. Although the majority of attendees had nothing but good things to say about the Harvest Moon Festival, there were a few comments made about the cost of the event.

One Farmington resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I don’t mind having to pay an admission fee, but my choice of drink rang in at $9 a pop, which made the night quite expensive. I hope next year the cost can come down.”

Many local businesses were showcased during this years’ festival, including Meadows Fine Wine & Liquor, Cowley and Sons, the Cheese Lady, Chive, Dagwoods’ Browndog Creamery and Kelly’s Cucina, to name a few. Attendance was very high at this year’s festival, with an estimated crowd of more than 1,000 people attending Friday night alone.

Attendees are greeted with a beautiful wreath that hangs over the entrance of the Sundquist Pavilion. It was created and donated by Michelle Hines who owns The Vines Flower & Garden Shop in Farmington.(Photo11: Tom Beaudoin)

Brothers John and Andrew Reid from Farmington are all smiles as they try one of the many craft beers on hand at this year's Harvest Moon Celebration.(Photo11: Tom Beaudoin)

Volunteers Shelly Wisniewski and Rhonda Alonzo serve up local brewery, Farmington Brewing Company beer at this years Harvest Moon Celebration.(Photo11: Tom Beaudoin)